DB500 Mobile S - User Guide | Operation and Maintenance

Learn to operate your DB500 Mobile S. Access manuals and user guides.

Video Guide

Does your DB500 Mobile S have a Rotair Compressor? Watch this video instead.

Tech Support

For Compressor Issues:
ELGi Compressors Tech Support
(704) 523-4123
Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM CT

Chicago Pneumatic Compressors Tech Support
1-800-760-4049

For All Other Issues:
MMLJ Tech Support
(281) 869-3421
Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM CT

How to Use the DB500 Mobile S

Hose Setup

Start by setting up your blast hose and the Deadman switch. We go over this process on a separate Academy page here.

Pre-Startup Procedure

Before starting your machine, you should always first inspect your compressor to ensure that it's ready for use. Here’s a quick checklist of what to do:

Open the canopy on your machine and look for oil or coolant leaks.
Check your compressor oil, engine oil, and coolant levels and top off as necessary. This needs to be done now, when the engine is cold - and not at the end of the work day.
Inspect your cooling fans for any clogs and your alternator belt for wear.
Drain your fuel water separator. You'll need to do this daily.
Finally, check the air intake vacuum indicators on the side of your engine air filter housing and replace the filters as necessary.

One final tip: when filling up your fuel tank for the day, make sure to only use clean diesel fuel.

For more detailed step-by-step instructions on startup procedure and machine maintenance, check out our full Chicago Pneumatic Compressor Maintenance article.

Filling the blast pot:

Now it’s time to fill up your blast pot. If you plan on blasting wet, you’re going to want to add the water first before you add your abrasive so that it mixes better inside the pot. We’re going to be using our water pump to send water from our storage tank to our blast pot.

To do that, we first need to open the path from the water storage tank to our blast pot by opening the water storage tank valve.
Next, open the water inlet valve on the blast pot to let the water in.
Finally, open the blue overflow valve on the blast pot. This spout will allow water to flow out when the machine has reached the proper fill level.

If you’re ever unsure about whether a valve is closed or open, take a closer look at the handle. Each valve or knob on your machine will have directions printed or etched onto the handles.

The water pump is pneumatic, so in order to continue, we need to start the compressor.

3. Starting the Compressor

If you own the CP185, you can directly follow along with this section. Otherwise, defer to the specific compressor manual that you received with your machine.

Before turning on the compressor...

Make sure the compressor service valve is closed.
The air inlet valve on your blast pot should also be closed and the blowdown valve should be open.
And finally, close the canopy on the compressor and lock the clasps on both sides. This will ensure that the compressor stays at operating temperature when it’s in use.

Now, we’re ready to turn on the compressor.

Learn how to correctly startup and shutdown your CP 185 compressor by referencing your instructions manual that came with your machine, or by viewing this how-to video.

Startup and shut down procedure for the CP 185 - Instructions Manual

4. Adding Water

Now that the compressor is ready for work, slowly open the compressor service valve. This will send air to parts of the blast pot plumbing allowing you to run the water pump.

Before we move on, now’s also a good time to turn on the cooling fan, especially if you’re drying blasting or using a paint spray gun with your compressor.

On the Moisture Separator, you’ll find your auxiliary outlets, and below them will be a small valve. Open it to activate the water pump.
Water will fill the blast pot. After only 30-40 seconds, water will start leaking through the overflow valve, letting you know the blast pot is full. Close the little valve to deactivate the pump, then close the overflow valve and the water inlet valve. Finally, close the water storage tank valve.

5. Adding Abrasive

Now that your blast pot is filled with water, it’s time to add your abrasive.

First, remove the fill cap. If you need to, you can unlock the abrasive control lever to swivel the blast hose out of your way.
Add your abrasive with the wide-mouth fill funnel that comes with your machine.
The DB500 holds up to 20 gallons of water and 200lb of crushed glass abrasive, so for a full tank, dump in four 50lb bags of glass, using the funnel. Need help choosing the right abrasive for the job?
If you’re blasting metal and need to use the Rust Inhibitor, add 28oz into the blast pot now, unless you already added it to your water storage tank. Here's a video all about using Rust Inhibitor.
Now, replace the fill cap and make sure it’s locked.

6. Pressurizing the Machine

At this point, you’re ready to pressurize your blast pot, and start blasting.

Double check that the overflow and water inlet valves are closed. Close the blowdown valve, and finally open the air inlet valve to pressurize the machine.

Now, the machine is ready to blast!

7. Blasting Safety

When Dustless Blasting in open air, full PPE is not strictly required. However, we do recommend that, at a minimum, you wear:

Eye protection such as a face shield or safety glasses
Hand protection such as leather gloves
Ear protection such as earplugs or earmuffs

You should know that your compressor comes set by the manufacturer at the correct operating pressure. When you want to adjust your blast pressure, use the pressure regulator knob located on the side of your blast pot. The pressure regulator should be set depending on the substrate you’re blasting.

The abrasive control lever, located at the top of your blast pot, can be used to adjust the amount of abrasive you’re using.

8. Depressurizing and Shutting Down

Once you’re ready to refill, or shut down for the day, you’ll start by depressurizing your blast pot. This must be done in a specific order to prevent damage.

Start by closing the air inlet valve to stop new air from entering the blast pot.
Next, open the blowdown valve to release the air pressure inside the blast pot. This must be done before you turn off the compressor.

If you just need to refill, it’s now safe to do so. If you’re ready to shut down, the last step is to close the compressor service valve. Doing this now prevents air from back-flowing into the compressor.

Refer to this video for instructions on how to properly shut down your CP 185 compressor.

Conclusion

Make sure to visit the owner support page on our website to view all the different resources that are available to you or have any additional questions.